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Cheat Sheet for School Construction Projects
May 2010
What are the requirements for my school construction project?
School construction projects can vary greatly in scope. However, the following are important to note: Regardless of the size or scope of the project, all building codes and local, state, and federal laws must be followed. A permit from the local jurisdiction is always required; and for new construction, additions, and renovations, a permit from the local or State Fire Marshal is also required. Typically, projects will require drawings and specifications. Even if an architect and/or engineer are not required, drawings and specifications help to ensure that the project is being bid consistently. Most projects will require the services of an architect and engineer. Refer to, “Is an Architect Required” and “Is an Engineer Required” below. All projects should be submitted to the State Department of Education for review. Projects are reviewed for compliance with school laws, accessibility standards, and building codes. All projects shall follow the Competitive Bidding Laws.
Can school personnel perform the work?
Yes. This is called force account. To build by force account, work must be done by a district employee. Building by force does not exempt the school from any laws, including code, permit and architect requirements. Also, when work, such as electrical, requires a license, the employee must hold a valid license to perform that work. If the entire project cannot be completed with district employees, the remainder should be contracted out as a public construction contract under the applicable provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974.
Is an Architect required?
1. Is the cost of the project $158,000 or greater?
Yes: Architect Required
No: Refer to Question #2
2. Does the building addition, renovation or alteration affect the primary structural, mechanical or electrical systems, life-safety systems, or exit passageways?
Yes: Architect Required
No: Refer to Question #3
3. Is the occupancy Assembly (A-1), (A-4) or (A-5)? Assembly (A-1) includes areas for the production or viewing of performing arts, typically with fixed seating. Assembly (A-4) includes areas for viewing indoor sporting events and activities with spectator seating. Assembly (A-5) includes areas for participation in or viewing outdoor activities.
Yes: Architect Required
No: Refer to Question #4

Cheat Sheet for School Construction Projects
May 2010
What are the requirements for my school construction project?
School construction projects can vary greatly in scope. However, the following are important to note: Regardless of the size or scope of the project, all building codes and local, state, and federal laws must be followed. A permit from the local jurisdiction is always required; and for new construction, additions, and renovations, a permit from the local or State Fire Marshal is also required. Typically, projects will require drawings and specifications. Even if an architect and/or engineer are not required, drawings and specifications help to ensure that the project is being bid consistently. Most projects will require the services of an architect and engineer. Refer to, “Is an Architect Required” and “Is an Engineer Required” below. All projects should be submitted to the State Department of Education for review. Projects are reviewed for compliance with school laws, accessibility standards, and building codes. All projects shall follow the Competitive Bidding Laws.
Can school personnel perform the work?
Yes. This is called force account. To build by force account, work must be done by a district employee. Building by force does not exempt the school from any laws, including code, permit and architect requirements. Also, when work, such as electrical, requires a license, the employee must hold a valid license to perform that work. If the entire project cannot be completed with district employees, the remainder should be contracted out as a public construction contract under the applicable provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974.
Is an Architect required?
1. Is the cost of the project $158,000 or greater?
Yes: Architect Required
No: Refer to Question #2
2. Does the building addition, renovation or alteration affect the primary structural, mechanical or electrical systems, life-safety systems, or exit passageways?
Yes: Architect Required
No: Refer to Question #3
3. Is the occupancy Assembly (A-1), (A-4) or (A-5)? Assembly (A-1) includes areas for the production or viewing of performing arts, typically with fixed seating. Assembly (A-4) includes areas for viewing indoor sporting events and activities with spectator seating. Assembly (A-5) includes areas for participation in or viewing outdoor activities.
Yes: Architect Required
No: Refer to Question #4